Why Mallorca ?
Mallorca is an ideal place where the transition to self-sufficient energy-production has great benefits from the Mediterranean climate. The amount of sun-hours makes solar plants an obvious source for alternative energy.
Mallorca's well-being is vulnerable to climate change. Its main income is based on tourism which relies on the natural beauty of the island, where beaches, marine sports and a room with a sea-view, are one of its main attractions. When sea-levels rise, coastline is lost and natural catastrophes from storms, tornadoes, and heavy eroding rain become more and more frequent, the consequences will be felt strongly in the tourist sector.
Mass tourism must belong to the past, it depletes the island. Eco-tourism is gaining more terrain and could suit Mallorca very well. People with ecological awareness are an important target group. They will look for destinations of natural beauty with a non-polluted environment.
Hotels can be transformed to apartments rented to local residents or older people from abroad who wish to have long-term vacations.
The local industry needs to be diversified and green business is naturally drawn to a place where visionary and ecologically advanced thinking is promoted. Tourism on a large scale is not a sustainable business for Mallorca.
The size of this island makes a green project manageable. The whole island could become an example of sustainability combined with a target of zero fossil fuel emissions. There is a growing concern and awareness amongst its residents of how to protect and develop Mallorca for future generations. It needs to be addressed.
This island resembles a micro-continent, with great natural variety such as; mountain-ranges, surrounded by sea, extensive beaches, savannah, forests, orchards and agricultural plains. There are many species of flora exclusive to the island. The natural wealth of Mallorca is undeniable. It's worth developing and protecting.
Abundant orchards, olive-groves and cultivated land not only contribute to maintain this extraordinary landscape but are also an important asset for local production of food. A sustainable Mallorca must depend less on imported food and instead create local autonomy of its food production. If we want to reduce carbon emissions we need to eat less long-travelled food.
Ecological farming has a history on Mallorca. It's still common knowledge to most local farmers of old traditions and new. The soil of Mallorca is rich in many places. It needs to be looked after, nourished, appreciated and made use of for boosting a healthy food supply. As it is now, the farmers are abandoning their orchards because there's no economy in it for them.
Food chains like Mercadona , Eroski, or Carrefour need to show more solidarity towards selling local produce. A condition attached to their license that they must promote and sell local produce should be considered.
Auto-sufficiency by growing your own vegetables if you have a garden patch is enriching in many ways. Learning about organic farming should start in schools.
Government could rent land to those who wish to cultivate. Re-building our bio-diversity is important, also safe-guarding local seeds and protecting the island from transgenic seeds.
The sea surrounding us is threatened by the massive amount of garbage being dumped into it. Each year hundreds of tons of plastics are recollected, sewage-water, more or less purified, is poured into the sea and the maritime traffic contaminates. Although we are still in a fairly good state in comparison with other zones, we need to stimulate the responsibility of our seas environment and denounce the infringements. It should not be tolerated in the 20th century that residual water runs straight into the sea!
On the other hand, sweet water is not in abundance. We need to reuse “grey water” and make a thorough repair of all broken pipes. It's estimated that about 25% to 40% of our drinking water is lost because of broken tubes.
The fishing resources are in a fairly healthy state, the small fishing fleet brings excellent and emblematic fish on our table, (The llampuga, the pampol and the verderol are still very healthy). Let's eat fresh fish instead of frozen and long-travelled fish from other oceans which contribute to carbon emissions. Let's think of the future with generosity. The fish also have a right to live and reproduce.
There's plenty to change, and the first objective is to change ourselves. If we lack awareness or consciousness of a more holistic vision, in generosity and respect, there's no way we can make the transition.
If not for pure egotistical reasons, as if there weren't enough altruistic motives, it's time for change.
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